Pakyong Airport is located in the Pakyong district of Sikkim, around 30
kilometers from Gangtok. The drive from the airport to Gangtok usually takes
about an hour and offers beautiful sights of mountains, terraced farms, and
the Teesta River along the way.
Pakyong Airport: The Scenic Gateway to Sikkim
Nestled in the hills of Sikkim, Pakyong Airport is one of India’s most stunning airports.
Surrounded by lush valleys and Himalayan peaks, it welcomes travelers with breathtaking
views and easy access to the state’s capital, Gangtok.
Where Pakyong Airport Is Located
Geographic Details
State: Sikkim
District: Pakyong District
Coordinates: 27.2477° N, 88.5884° E
Altitude: Around 4,600 feet (1,402 meters)
above sea level
Accessibility
Distance from Gangtok: ~33 km (takes about
1.5 hours by road)
Nearest Major Airport: Bagdogra Airport
(IXB), West Bengal — about 125 km away
Key Facts
Opened: 2018
Operated by: Airports Authority of India
(AAI)
Type: Domestic airport (currently serves
flights mainly from Kolkata and Delhi, depending on schedule)
Significance: One of the highest airports
in India, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan valleys.
Flights to Pakyong Airport
Regular flights to Pakyong Airport now connect Sikkim to major Indian cities
such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. These routes have made travel to
Sikkim more convenient, especially for those who prefer to skip long road
journeys through the mountains.
What that means for you
✯ No guaranteed scheduled flights right now : note flight
operations have been repeatedly suspended/resumed and currently there are no
regular services you can reliably book.
✯ Historically operated airline : SpiceJet operated the
Kolkata/Delhi/Guwahati links when Pakyong was in service; those services
have been started/stopped over the years due to low visibility and runway
constraints.
Example fare signals (when flights have been bookable)
OTA pages that show historical or occasional listings quote Guwahati
↔ Pakyong fares roughly in the ₹3,200–₹5,700
range (varies heavily by date/availability). Other OTAs show
much higher or inconsistent one-off fares on some dates — fares are highly
variable and depend on whether a flight is actually scheduled. Do not treat
these as guaranteed current prices — check the airline/OTAs for exact, live
availability.
Practical advice & alternatives
1. Check live flight status / airline pages before planning
: Use airline sites (SpiceJet) and flight-status aggregators
(Skyscanner, Cleartrip) to confirm if any seasonal/charter flights are
scheduled. spicejet.com+1
2. Use nearest major airports if PYG not available :
- ✯ Bagdogra (IXB) — the most common choice for Gangtok (≈ 120–125 km by road, ~4–5 hours).
- ✯ New Jalpaiguri / Siliguri (NJP) — also widely used (≈ 117–125 km by road). From those airports you can take taxis, shared cabs or buses to Gangtok.
3. If you must fly into PYG : contact airlines or a trusted
travel agent to confirm (1) whether a flight is scheduled on your desired
date and (2) the aircraft type and refund/cancellation rules — Pakyong
operations are weather-sensitive and diversions to Bagdogra happen.
Travel from Pakyong Airport to Gangtok
Reaching Gangtok from Pakyong Airport is simple. Taxis and private cabs are
readily available, and many hotels offer airport pickup services for guests.
The one-hour ride to Gangtok is filled with scenic beauty and winding
mountain roads that set the tone for a memorable trip.
Distance & Duration
✯ Distance : ~33 km (approx.)
✯ Travel Time : 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
(depending on traffic and weather)
Transport Options from Pakyong Airport
| Mode | Details | Estimated Fare | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (Private) | Available at the airport taxi stand; direct drop to Gangtok city/hotels. | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 | 1 – 1.5 hrs |
| Shared Cab / Jeep | Shared cabs operate from Pakyong town or airport gate (limited). | ₹400 – ₹600 per person | 1.5 – 2 hrs |
| Prepaid Taxi | Counter available at the airport during flight arrivals (limited hours). | ₹1,500 – ₹2,200 | 1 – 1.5 hrs |
| Hotel Transfer | Many hotels in Gangtok offer pickup service if requested in advance. | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | 1 – 1.5 hrs |
Route Information
✯ Route : Pakyong → Ranipool → Gangtok
✯ Road Type : Hilly, scenic route with winding roads
✯ Condition : Generally good; may get foggy or slippery
during monsoon
Travel Tips
✯ Book your taxi in advance during peak season (April –
June & October – December).
✯ Avoid late evening travel in monsoon due to fog and
visibility.
✯ Carry light luggage; small vehicles are preferred for the
hilly terrain.
✯ Keep cash handy — digital payments may be unstable in
remote areas.
Why Pakyong Airport Is Special
Pakyong Airport is more than just a travel hub—it’s a symbol of progress and
pride for Sikkim. Built on a hilltop at high altitude, it stands as an
engineering marvel in the Himalayas and plays a key role in connecting the
region with the rest of India.
1. One of India’s Highest Airports
Pakyong Airport is built at an altitude of 4,600 feet (1,402
meters) above
sea level, making it one of the highest airports in India. Its stunning
hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains and
lush green valleys of Sikkim.
2. Engineering Marvel in the Hills
Constructed on a mountain slope, the airport is considered
an engineering
wonder. The runway and terminal are built on a narrow hilltop plateau
supported by massive retaining walls — some of the tallest in India — to
prevent soil erosion and landslides.
3. Gateway to Sikkim
Before this airport, travelers had to fly to Bagdogra Airport (in West
Bengal) and then drive 4–5 hours to reach Sikkim. Now, Pakyong Airport
connects Sikkim directly to major Indian cities like Kolkata and Delhi,
saving travelers several hours.
4. Eco-Friendly and Scenic Design
The airport’s design blends beautifully with the natural Himalayan landscape. It uses minimal land, preserves the surrounding greenery, and provides panoramic views right from the runway.
5. Symbol of Sikkim’s Growth
Pakyong Airport represents Sikkim’s progress and connectivity. It was the first greenfield airport in the state and plays a key role in promoting tourism, trade, and development in this northeastern Himalayan region.
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